The WNBA playoffs begin Wednesday. Right here’s a have a look at the 4 first-round collection.

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With the WNBA playoffs set to start this week, AP took a have a look at each first-round matchup and predicted a winner.

By DOUG FEINBERG, Related Press

September 12, 2023 | 10:27 AM

A have a look at the best-of-3 first-round collection within the WNBA playoffs, which begins Wednesday:

No. 1 Las Vegas (34-6) vs. No. 8 Chicago (18-22)

Season collection: Aces, 3-0

Recreation 1: Wednesday

Las Vegas: The defending champions appeared poised to develop into the primary group to repeat since Los Angeles did it in 2001-02. Las Vegas had the most effective offense, averaging 92.8 factors and set a WNBA-record for offensive effectivity score with 113.0. Led by MVP candidate A’ja Wilson, the Aces have a potent offense. Wilson is joined by stellar guards Chelsea Grey, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Younger. The trio averaged 51.1 factors and 15.5 assists. The one query for the group proper now’s its depth. Candace Parker has been sidelined since having surgical procedure on her foot in late July. The playoff schedule does assist the Aces with so many days between video games.

Chicago: The Sky have been the ultimate group to qualify for the playoffs, however has a variety of expertise between 2021 Finals MVP Kahleah Copper and Courtney Williams, who helped the Connecticut Solar attain the championship spherical final season. Copper is the one starter left from that title group. The Sky overcame some mid-season adversity when coach James Wade left to teach within the NBA.

Prediction: Aces

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No. 3 Connecticut (27-13) vs. No. 6 Minnesota (19-21).

Season collection: Solar, 3-1

Recreation 1: Wednesday

Connecticut: The Solar begin on offense and protection with Alyssa Thomas, who led the league in rebounding and assists. Thomas turned the primary participant in league historical past to document not less than 600 factors, 400 rebounds and 300 assists in a single season. She additionally had six triple-doubles. Connecticut, which made the WNBA Finals final season, had a change in coaches with Stephanie White taking up. She needed to revamp the offense a month into the season when Brionna Jones went down with an Achilles tear.

Minnesota: The Lynx began the season 0-6 and appeared like they have been headed to the draft lottery earlier than turning issues round, changing into simply the second franchise to achieve the postseason after starting the yr with not less than six losses. Napheesa Collier was a giant motive why as she averaged 21.5 factors, 8.4 rebounds and a couple of.6 assists. She had assist from a pair of rookies in Diamond Miller and Dorka Juhasz.

Prediction: Connecticut

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No. 4 Dallas (22-18) vs. No. 5 Atlanta (19-21)

Season collection: Wings, 3-0

Recreation 1: Friday

Dallas: The Wings had an ideal season and have a potent inside-outside recreation. Nobody can match Dallas’ inside energy with Teaira McCowan, Natasha Howard and Satou Sabally. Couple these three with stellar guard Arike Ogunbowale and the Wings can beat groups in many alternative methods. Dallas has made the playoffs in 5 of its eight seasons within the metropolis, however nonetheless is trying to get out of the primary spherical for the primary time.

Atlanta: The Dream are within the postseason for the primary time since 2018 led by its trio of Rhyne Howard, Cheyenne Parker and Allisha Grey, who spent the primary six seasons of her profession in Dallas earlier than becoming a member of Atlanta this yr. Monique Billings is the lone participant on the roster that was on the group in 2018.

Prediction: Dallas

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No. 2 New York (32-8) vs. No. 7 Washington (19-21)

Season collection: Tied, 2-2

Recreation 1: Friday

New York: The Liberty rebuilt its roster within the offseason including Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot and had the most effective season in franchise historical past. New York gained the Commissioner’s Cup championship beating Las Vegas and is now hoping to win its first WNBA title. Stewart completed second within the league in scoring and scored greater than 40 factors 4 instances this season. Sabrina Ionescu set the single-season mark hitting 128 3-pointers. The Liberty completed the season profitable eight of its final 10 video games. Turnovers have been an issue for New York throughout the course of the season and Washington is admittedly good at leaping passing lanes and getting steals.

Washington: The Mystics have been beset by accidents all season lengthy and nonetheless might be with out ahead Shakira Austin for the playoffs as she’s coping with a hip harm. Washington has a robust nucleus although that features Elena Delle Donne, Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins, who have been all on the 2019 title group. Add to that Brittney Sykes, who is likely one of the prime defenders within the WNBA, and Washington may trigger issues for New York. Rebounding in opposition to the larger Liberty might be a difficulty for the Mystics.

Prediction: New York